President Bola Tinubu has formally extended an invitation to international investors to consider the expanding investment opportunities in Nigeria during a significant meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palais des L’Élysée in Paris on Thursday, November 28, 2024. This meeting marks a pivotal moment in strengthening Nigeria’s ties with France and positioning the country as a key destination for foreign investments.
Tinubu highlighted Nigeria's preparedness to collaborate with foreign partners, particularly French companies, in essential sectors that are crucial for the country's growth and development. These sectors include food security, energy, solid minerals, education, and defense. The president emphasized that Nigeria’s economy is becoming more attractive for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), which is expected to play a central role in improving the standard of living for Nigerians.
During a joint press conference with President Macron, Tinubu underscored the enormous untapped potential within Nigeria’s agricultural sector, which he regards as critical to the nation’s long-term economic prosperity. "We cannot afford to overlook this immense potential," he said, stressing that the French-Nigerian Business Forum had already made significant strides in fostering economic ties, but that much more needs to be done to ensure food security in the region.
The Nigerian president also highlighted the growing strength of Nigeria’s financial sector, which he views as a critical facilitator of foreign investments. “Our financial sector is advancing rapidly and presents substantial opportunities for French enterprises, particularly in food security, agriculture, and related industries,” Tinubu explained. He called for increased collaboration with the French government, especially in the areas of training Nigeria’s youth and equipping them with skills that will help drive entrepreneurship and economic growth in the country.
In line with his commitment to boosting Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, Tinubu urged the French government to assist in mitigating the risks associated with investment opportunities in this area. He emphasized that Nigeria's rich resources hold immense potential for investors in the solid minerals industry. “We are ready to partner with France to explore these opportunities for our mutual benefit,” he said, highlighting the vast economic promise of the sector.
On the critical issue of food security, Tinubu firmly asserted that no child in the 21st century should go to bed hungry. "A nation deprived of nourishment cannot prioritize other critical areas, including education or security," he noted. He stressed that improving food security is foundational for any nation’s progress, and that nourishing children today is key to building a prosperous tomorrow.
Tinubu reiterated that Nigeria is "open for business" and that his administration is committed to making the investment environment as accessible and attractive as possible. With a vibrant and growing population, he expressed confidence that foreign investment will bring transformative benefits to the Nigerian economy.
